J1 – Radio Operator/Air Gunner Badge by Juncker

A Luftwaffen Fliegerschützen Bordfunker und Bordmechanikerabzeichen by C. E. Juncker of Berlin! An airman could receive the badge after passing a qualification exam and completing a minimum of five missions over enemy territory or two months of training or earlier if wounded in the process of an operational flight. It is a two-piece construction made out of die struck nickel-silver that has been silver washed and chemically blackened. The obverse the badge depicts an open-winged Luftwaffe eagle clutching four lightning bolts in its talons. The eagle is in front of a half laurel leaf and berry half oak leaf and acorn wreath and has a mobile swastika to the very bottom. The reverse of the badge correctly displays the “C. E. Juncker Berlin SW” maker mark behind the eagle. The reverse also shows; a soldered on barrel hinge, soldered on plate and tombak round wire catch, round wire pin and two rivets. There is an impression to the obverse left wing were the rivet was attached and the catch appears to have been repaired, likely in the period. The badge depicts beautiful details, patina and blackening throughout the eagle’s wings head and wreath! It measures approximately 2 1/8 inches tall by 1 5/8 inches wide. A desirable early J1!